Floor mat improvement

ABSTRACT

An improved apparent surface (Astroturf like) material surrounded by a water tight enclosure with raised borders that better control and conceal any debris and dirt that is scraped off the shoes or otherwise fall onto the mat. Means are provided to direct the debris to an area where it is better concealed from view and more protected from any blowing air. The debris is less likely to be blown about by any stream of air, such as a heater fan. In one configuration the debris is substancially completely sealed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationSer. 61/214,726 filed 2009 Apr. 28 by the present inventor.

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationSer. 61/217,828 filed 2009 Jun. 5 by the present inventor.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to floor mats in general, but most specificallythose used in cars, trucks, and other human operated equipment wherevehicle appearance and protection, personal appearance and protection,and air quality within the vehicle are all of concern.

2. Prior Art

Upon entering a vehicle, depending on location and weather conditions,it is normal to track into the vehicle, the following undesired elements(undesirables); water, snow, ice, earth, grass, pollen, gravel, sand,animal excrement, and anything else one has had the misfortune to stepon or into. To protect the vehicle's original floor covering from theseundesirables, a variety of accessory floor mats are currently on themarket. These floor mats are typically made of a carpet material,similar to the material used in the vehicle's original flooring, or awaterproof elastomeric material, more suited for inclement weatherconditions. Such waterproof elastomeric mats are commonly known as AllWeather mats, and typically have numerous indentations and wells forcollecting dirt and water. While these standard floor mats are effectiveat protecting the original floor covering of the vehicle, there areadverse effects, caused by the introduction of the undesired elements,for which the standard floor mats do not protect against.

One such adverse effect, common among carpeted floor mats, is thediminished appearance of the floor mat once these undesirables areintroduced. The simple presence of the undesirables is unsightly,requiring the floor mat to be vacuumed on a regular basis. Even whenvacuumed, the undesirables often leave stains, requiring the floor matto be washed. Even when washed, the abrasive nature of some of theundesirables causes wear on the floor mat and eventually the floor matmust be replaced. In most cases the first area to wear out is the heelpad area, generally as a result of the accumulated debris being groundinto the mat by the back of the driver's shoe as he operates theaccelerator and brake pedals.

Another adverse effect is salt damage and this commonly occurs duringprotracted inclement weather such as snow. Salt, used to keep roads fromfreezing, along with excess snow and ice, are tracked onto the floor matand quickly result in a salt water solution. This solution not only hasthe potential to spill onto the car floor, later causing rust, it isalso often absorbed by the heel of the occupant's shoe and lower pantleg, causing salt stains and damage upon drying.

There are a number of prior art patents which have proposed solutions tothis problem and which show various means for collecting and/or drainingoff the water and snow melt, none of which proposed solutions areconsidered completely satisfactory. Examples of the patented devices areshown in: U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,650,855 to Peirce; 3,149,875 to Stata;3,284,836 to Ioppolo; 4,211,447 to DiVincenzo; 4,280,729 to Morawski and4,420,180 to Dupont.

Yet another adverse effect not covered by the prior art, is thepollution of cabin air caused by the introduction of the undesirables.Once tracked into the vehicle, the undesirables are then deposited onthe floor mat further ground down by the action of one's feet on themat. This grinding down phenomenon creates a fine dust and particlemixture of the undesired material. The heater, air conditioner, orventilation fan blows down upon the surface of the mat, which introducesthe undesired and potentially unhealthy, dust and debris mixture intothe vehicle's cabin air. Compounding this problem is the fact that eachyear, as cars get smaller and lower, the interior space of the cabingets smaller. This has two consequences that cause the degree of airpollution to increase exponentially. The first consequence is that thevolume of cabin air decreases, yet the amount of introduced undesirablesremain the same. The second consequence of the smaller and lower cars,is that the distance from the fan to floor mat, along with the distancefrom the floor mat to the occupants, are both significantly reduced.

Entrance Mat Embodiment

The aforementioned problems also exist with entrance mats, morespecifically, large entrance mats typically found in large commercialbuildings. The basic apparent surface mat (Astroturf) as describedherein provides the best scraping mat available and has been verysuccessfully marketed as such for many years by the manufacturers of theproduct (Solutia). However, due to its very nature, it is very difficultto vacuum since the hose can never be brought close to the bottom. Inordinary household mats, this is overcome by merely turning the matupside down. In large entrance mats, especially like those in officebuilding entrances, this is not the case.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a floor mat system utilizing anAstroturf like mat (as made by Solutia®) or similar type plastic matwith an apparent surface created by a multitude of projections, apredetermined hole pattern in the bottom surface, and a multi planarsurface on the mat bottom surface that directs substantially all thedebris that has fallen down through the blades into the holes and downinto a tray with raised edges. The tray (waterproof sealed base withraised edges), into which the mat is inserted has depressions that matchthe hole pattern of the mat. This allows for a greater amount of debristo accumulate as well as for better protection for the accumulateddebris. Provision is made for the mat to move the precise distance,relative to the tray to seal all the depressions and further protect theaccumulated debris. In one embodiment that describes the mat system foruse in a vehicle, provision is also made for a replaceable heel pad aswell as a carpeted mat with the same shape and locking features of theapparent surface mat so as to be interchangeable with the apparentsurface mat when conditions demand.

DRAWINGS Figures

Several embodiments of the present invention will be provided, by way ofexamples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A shows the completed assembly in accordance with one embodimentof the vehicle floor mat, herein called the First Embodiment.

FIG. 1B shows the exploded view of the First Embodiment assembly; anAutoturf mat, a waterproof lining welded to the underside of saidAutoturf mat, a plastic rubber border either welded or sewn to saidAutoturf mat, and a carpet heel pad.

FIG. 1C shows a close up view of the Autoturf crimped projections andthe holes in the bottom surface of the Autoturf mat in accordance withthe First Embodiment.

FIG. 2A shows the completed assembly in accordance with anotherembodiment of the vehicle floor mat, herein called the SecondEmbodiment.

FIG. 2B shows the exploded view of the Second Embodiment assembly; areplaceable heel pad, a heel pad plate, an Enhanced Autoturf mat with amulti-planar bottom surface and hole pattern herein called EnhancedAutoturf, a waterproof tray, a rotatable cam, a cover plate and sponges.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show various views of the Enhanced Autoturf mat withmulti-planar bottom surface, hole pattern, crimped blade likeprojections, and cam follower, in accordance with the Second Embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows the water proof tray, with a plurality of ribs matching thehole pattern of the Enhanced Autoturf, water drainage slots, a watercollection area, and a heel pad section

FIG. 5A shows the Enhanced Autoturf mat inside the waterproof traywithout the cam, in accordance with the Second Embodiment.

FIG. 5B shows a close up of the cam and the cam follower attached to theEnhanced Autoturf mat, in accordance with the Second Embodiment.

FIG. 5C shows the top and bottom view of the rotatable cam used forshifting the position of the Enhanced Autoturf.

FIG. 6A shows the Enhanced Autoturf mat inside the waterproof tray withthe cam set in the open position, in accordance with the SecondEmbodiment.

FIG. 6B shows the Enhanced Autoturf mat inside the waterproof tray withthe cam set in the closed position, in accordance with the SecondEmbodiment.

FIG. 7A shows an exploded view of the cover plate, sponge, and camassembly, in accordance with the Second Embodiment.

FIG. 7B shows a close up view of the cover plate, sponge, and camassembly, in accordance with the Second Embodiment.

FIG. 8A shows the replaceable heel pad and heel pad plate with a lockinglever, in accordance with the Second Embodiment.

FIG. 8B shows a close up view of the heel pad and heel pad plate lockinginto the waterproof tray, in accordance with the Second Embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a waterproof tray with vertical ribs, in accordance withanother embodiment

FIG. 10A shows an Enhanced Autoturf mat with ribs molded to theunderside surface, in accordance with another embodiment

FIG. 10B shows a section view, in accordance with another embodiment ofthe vehicle floor mat, a water proof tray, the Enhanced Autoturf matwith a hole pattern and ribs on the underside, a replaceable heel pad,and a moveable plastic sheet.

FIG. 11A shows another embodiment herein called the OEM embodimentutilizing a waterproof tray designed to fit into a recess, an EnhancedAutoturf mat with carpeted heel pad. This embodiment allows for astandard sized unit that can be installed in either the OEM carpet, theOEM aftermarket floor mat, or any one of the custom aftermarket floormats available, whether made of plastic or carpeted material.

FIG. 11B shows the OEM embodiment sitting inside the recess cut out ofan aftermarket carpet floor mat

FIG. 12 shows an entrance mat made from Enhanced Autoturf placed insidea waterproof tray in accordance with another embodiment

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   100—First Embodiment-   102—Autoturf mat (Apparent Surface Mat)-   104—Hole pattern in Autoturf mat-   106—Autoturf projections (blades)-   106 A top surface of projections-   108—Waterproof Lining (welded to Autoturf)-   108A underside of Autoturf-   110—Raised plastic rubber border-   110A—Autoturf perimeter-   112—Heel pad-   112 A top surface of heel pad-   112 B underside of heel pad-   114—Cut out section for Heel Pad in Autoturf-   200—Second Embodiment-   202—Waterproof tray-   202A—Bottom surface of waterproof tray-   202B—Inside perimeter of tray-   204—Ribs for collecting and sealing undesirables-   204A—Top surface of ribs-   206—Water Drainage Slots-   208—Water collection area-   208A—Water collection area ribs-   208B—Water drainage slots in ribs-   210—Cam-   210A—Open position of cam-   210B—Closed position of cam-   212—Cam Compartment-   214—Cover plate-   214A—Screw holes in cover plate-   214B—Screw posts for cover plate in tray-   216—Sponge-   218—Enhanced Autoturf-   220—Multi-planar bottom surface-   222—Cam follower-   224—Heel pad plate-   224A—Locking lever-   224B—Locking channel in waterproof tray-   226—Section in tray for heel pad/heel plate assembly-   302—Waterproof tray with vertical ribs-   304—Vertical ribs-   306—Side mounted cam-   308—Water collection area-   400—Third Embodiment-   402—Waterproof tray (no ribs)-   404—Moveable plastic sheeting-   406—Enhanced Autoturf with ribs molded to the underside-   408—Ribs on the underside of the Autoturf-   410—Water collection area-   500—OEM Embodiment-   502—OEM waterproof tray-   504—Vertical Edges-   506—Lip on top surface-   508—Recess cut out from carpet floor mat-   510—OEM Vehicle Type Carpet Floor Mat-   602—Waterproof tray—Commercial Entrance Mat Embodiment-   604—Ribs on the bottom surface of the waterproof tray

DETAILED DESCRIPTION First Embodiment

It should be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement ofcomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The useof “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof hereinis meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms“connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein areused broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings,and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” andvariations thereof are not restricted to physical, mechanical orelectrical connections or couplings. Furthermore, and as described insubsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical and/or electrical, otherconfigurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplifyembodiments of the invention. However, other alternative mechanicaland/or electrical or other configurations are possible which areconsidered to be within the teachings of the instant disclosure.

One embodiment of the vehicle floor mat, herein called the FirstEmbodiment 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B (exploded view).This embodiment utilizes an Astroturf like mat or similar type plasticmat with a multitude of crimped projections 106, a predetermined holepattern 104 herein called Autoturf 102 (FIG. 1C). A waterproof lining108 is attached to the underside of the Autoturf 108A and a plasticrubber border 110 is attached to the entire Autoturf perimeter 110A(FIG. 1B). The attachment of the waterproof lining 108 and the plasticrubber border 110 would ideally be accomplished through thermal weldinghowever other embodiments may employ other means of attachment such asgluing, chemical welding, sewing or the like. A heel pad 112, in thisembodiment made of carpet, is placed into a cutout section of theAutoturf 114 (shown in FIG. 1B) such that the top of the heel pad 112Asits flush with the top of the Autoturf projections 106A as seen in FIG.1D. Other embodiments may utilize another soft, non abrasive, non skidmaterial for the heel pad such as a foamed flexible plastic that couldbe easily replaceable. It should be noted, that the overall effect ofadding a waterproof sealed bottom with a raised edge border could easilybe replaced by using a tray with molded raised edges into which theAstroturf like material is placed.

Operation First Embodiment FIGS. 1A,1B, 1C and 1D

The crimped projections 106 of the Autoturf mat 102 are ideal forscraping any undesired material off the sole of a shoe and forconcealing said undesired material below the visible top surface of theprojections 106A. The flush nature of the top surface of the heel pad112A with the top of the Autoturf projections 106A, enable the occupantof the vehicle to simply push any undesired material off the surface ofthe heel pad 112A with a simple swipe of his shoe sole edge into thecrimped Autoturf projections 106 where it will then drop down to thebottom surface and be concealed as well. The crimped projections 106also serve as an air flow deflection, reducing the amount ofundesirables mixing with the cabin air when the air conditioner, heater,or ventilation fan is turned on. The combination of a waterproof lining108, welded to the bottom of the Autoturf 108A, and the plastic rubberborder 110 welded to the perimeter of the Autoturf 110A, create awaterproof enclosure capable of containing any water caused by snowmelt. The crimped projections 106 also serve as a barrier, preventingthe heels of the operator's shoe, and the bottom of the operator's pantleg from coming into contact with any water. After months of use in offroad and winter conditions, the mat still looks clean and theundesirables are contained and protected without the need to clean.

Second Embodiment

Another embodiment of the vehicle floor mat, herein called the SecondEmbodiment 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 8B. This embodimentutilizes the following components (FIG. 2A and exploded view FIG. 2B): aheel pad 112, which could be replaceable, a heel pad plate 224 withlocking lever 224A, a water proof tray with raised edges 202, a coverplate 214, a sponge 216, and enhanced Autoturf mat 218 with amulti-planar bottom surface 220, crimped projections 106, and apredetermined hole pattern 104, herein called Enhanced Autoturf 218.FIGS. 3A and 3B show various views of the Enhanced Autoturf 218, withthe multi-planar bottom surface 220, the predetermined hole pattern 104,the crimped blade like projections 106, and a cam follower 222. As shownin FIG. 4, the waterproof tray 202 contains a plurality of ribs 204,water drainages slots 206, a cam compartment 212, and a water collectionarea 208. The water collection area 208 is contained by the insideperimeter 202B of the tray 202 and a rib 208A. The Enhanced Autoturf 218is placed inside a waterproof tray 202 as shown in FIG. 5A. A cam 210 isplaced inside the waterproof tray cam compartment 212 where it isconnected to said cam follower 222 as shown in FIG. 5B. FIG. 5C showsthe top and bottom views of the Cam 210. Illustrated in FIG. 6A, thewaterproof tray 202 has a plurality of ribs 204 that match thepredetermined hole pattern of the Enhanced Autoturf 218. The EnhancedAutoturf 218 rests on the top surface 204A of the plurality of ribs 204.As shown in FIG. 6A, when the cam 210 is in the open position 210A, theEnhanced Autoturf 218 is shifted into a position such that thepredetermined hole pattern 104 rests in between the plurality of ribs204 of the waterproof tray 202. As shown in FIG. 6B, when the cam 210 isin the closed position 210B, the Enhanced Autoturf 218 is shifted into aposition such that the predetermined hole pattern 104 rests on top ofthe plurality of ribs 204 of the waterproof tray 202. Illustrated inFIG. 7A (exploded view) and 7B, is the assembly of the cover plate 214,the sponge 216, and the cam 210. The sponge 216 is placed in the watercollection area 208, and the cam 210 is placed in the cam compartment212. The cover plate 214 is then placed on top of the cam 210 and thesponge 216 and with screws is attached using the provided screw holes214A on the cover plate 214 and the screw posts 214B inside thewaterproof tray 202. In other embodiments of the vehicle floor mat, thesponge 216 may be attached to the cover plate 214 or may not be usedaltogether. In other embodiments of the vehicle floor mat the coverplate 214 may be attached to the tray using other attachment methodsaside from screws such as rivets, snap fittings, glue or chemical orthermal welding. FIG. 8A shows the replaceable heel pad 112 and heel padplate 224 with locking lever 224A. In this embodiment the replaceableheel pad 112 and heel pad plate 224 will be attached using glue. Otherembodiments may use another means of attachment such as sewing orstaples or the like. Other embodiments might not utilize a heel padplate 224 at all and would simply use a replaceable heel pad 112. Thereplaceable heel pad 112 and heel pad plate 224 are contained in theheel pad section 226 of the waterproof tray 202. FIG. 8B shows a sectionview illustrating the heel pad 112 and heel pad plate 224 with lockinglever 224A, locking into the heel pad section 226 of the waterproof tray202. As in the first embodiment, the top surface 112A of the heel pad112 sits flush with the top surface 106A of the Enhanced Autoturf 218.

Second Embodiment FIGS. 2A through 7B

The Second Embodiment 200 of the vehicle floor mat incorporates themajority of operations and benefits described in the First Embodiment100. The differences and additional benefits are explained as follows.The undesirable material is scraped off the soles of the operator'sshoes, by the crimped blade like projections 106 of the EnhancedAutoturf 218. The material then falls to the bottom multi-planar surface220 and then through the predetermined hole pattern 104 of the EnhancedAutoturf 218 and then into the waterproof tray 202. The multi-planarbottom surface 220 is designed such that each plane of the surfaceslopes towards the predetermined hole pattern 104, and there are nohorizontal surfaces for the undesired material to collect. When exposedto the vibrations of use, the undesirable material is then directed tothe predetermined hole pattern 104 where it will then fall through andinto said waterproof tray 202. It should be noted, the blade likeprojections 106 of the Enhanced Autoturf 218, as best shown in FIG. 1C,are formed from circular tufts of blades that have holes 104 in thecenter of the tufts. The undesirables that fall through this area fallstraight through, as the blades 106 also have no horizontal areas.Either attached to, or molded as part of the Enhanced Autoturf 218 is acam follower 222. The cam 210 is attached to the cam follower 222 andheld in place by the cover plate 214. When rotated, the cam 210, shiftsthe Enhanced Autoturf 218 position inside the waterproof tray 202. Whenthe cam 210 is rotated to the open position 210A, the predetermined holepattern 104, of the Enhanced Autoturf 218, rests in between theplurality of ribs 204 of the waterproof tray 202 (FIG. 6A). Theundesirable material that falls through the predetermined hole pattern104, of the Enhanced Autoturf 218, then falls in between the pluralityof ribs 204, and onto the bottom surface 202A of the waterproof tray202. When the cam 210 is rotated to the sealed position 210B, thepredetermined hole pattern 104, of the Enhanced Autoturf 218, rests onthe top surface 204A of the plurality of ribs 204 (FIG. 6B). This trapsany undesirable material that has previously fallen to the bottomsurface 202A of the waterproof tray 202, and prevents said undesirablematerial from mixing with the cabin air, and provides more space andbetter concealment for the undesirables. This feature is especiallyimportant for those who suffer allergies due to dust, pollen, spores,and other similar matter. The waterproof tray 202 contains waterdrainage slots 206 which direct any water that has accumulated in saidtray 202, to a water collection area 208. A sponge 216 is located in thewater collection area 208 that will absorb any water and facilitatewater removal when required. (FIG. 7A). The cover plate 214 covers thewater collection area 208 and provides a means to secure the cam. Thereplaceable heel pad 112 and heel pad plate 224 with locking lever 224Ahas the ability to lock into the heel pad section 226 of the waterprooftray 202, through the locking channel 224B as shown in FIG. 8B. Thisprevents the possibility of the heel pad accidently shifting out ofposition during operation, causing a potentially dangerous situation,while at the same time holding down the top section of Enhanced Autoturf218.

Other Embodiments

Other embodiments of the vehicle floor mat, having similar features andbenefits are possible as well. For example, one such embodiment mayutilize a waterproof tray 302 having vertical ribs 304 instead ofhorizontal ribs and the Enhanced Autoturf 218 would be shiftedhorizontally instead of vertically using a cam 306 mounted on the sideof the tray (FIG. 9). This would allow all the dirt and debris to easilyflow straight to the water collection area 308.

Another embodiment 400 might utilize a waterproof tray without any ribsat all 402. Instead ribs 408 might be molded onto the underside of theEnhanced Autoturf 406 (FIG. 10A), which would sit on top of a moveableplastic sheet 404, located inside the waterproof tray 402 (FIG. 10B). Inthis embodiment, dirt and debris (undesirables) would fall through thepredetermined hole pattern of the further Enhanced Autoturf 406 withribs molded to the underside 408, and land on the moveable plastic sheet404. The sheet 404 can then be rolled, or pulled, carrying the fallendirt and debris and depositing it into the water collection area 410.

Another embodiment herein called the OEM Embodiment 500, would utilizeall or some of the above features. An OEM waterproof tray 502, withsimilar features to the Second Embodiment tray 202, but shaped withsubstantially vertical edges 504 and preferably with a lip 506 on thetop surface, along with the Enhanced Autoturf 218 and heal pad 112,would be inserted into a recess cut 508 out of the original OEM car mat510. The carpeting that is cut out could be then be cut into the shapeof the Autoturf mat 218 and the heel pad insert 112. The heel pad carpetwould be lined with a plastic backing similar to the heel pad backing224 and the Autoturf shaped cut out would be lined with a similarplastic backing but in the shape of the Autoturf mat 218 together withcam follower 222. FIG. 11A shows the cutout 508 cut out of anaftermarket floor mat shape, but the same cutout could be made in theoriginal carpet as installed in a new car. In the former case, theaftermarket custom shape mat could be plastic or carpeting, and if it isplastic, the carpet needed for the carpeted insert would preferably bethe same as that chosen for the heel pad. This embodiment would providea flush installation in the car with the possibility of using either theAutoturf mat insert when conditions demanded it, or the carpeted matinsert when a more formal appearance is desired. It should be noted thatthe use of well secured custom shapes is of particular commercialimportance now as a result of massive re calls by some car manufacturersand the resultant media attention, all as a result of several floor matsjamming under the accelerator pedal. Customized floor mats have the carshape of that particular model and the securement provisions designed tofit that model. This embodiment allows for a standard Autoturf unit,with its resultant cost savings to be applied in a market wherecustomizing the mat is of the most importance. It further provides anall season, all weather floor mat system that one can change over asrequired, from Autoturf insert to fully carpeted.

It should be noted that the same combinations of mat and tray can be setinto any flooring material to provide the advantages of such acombination in a flush with flooring embodiment.

Entrance Mat Embodiment FIG. 12

The use of the improved apparent surface mat in combination with a trayprovides a means to hold, conceal, and seal large quantities of debris.The use is not limited to vehicle mats. In large entrance mats,especially those used in office building entrances, this feature wouldhave significant benefits. The basic apparent surface mat (Astroturflike) 102 as described herein provides the best scraping mat availableand has been very successfully marketed as such for many years by themanufacturers of the product (Solutia). Due to its very nature, it isvery difficult to vacuum since the vacuum hose can never be broughtclose to the bottom. In ordinary household mats, this is overcome bymerely turning the mat upside down. For large entrance mats incommercial applications, this is not easily done, as the size and weightof the mat prohibit easy lifting. The improved apparent surface mat 218when used in combination with a waterproof tray 602, having ribs 604similar to those mentioned in the vehicle floor mat embodiment 200,seals in debris making regular cleaning unnecessary. When cleaning isfinally required, the light weight apparent surface mat 218 could beeasily removed and the waterproof tray 502, which would normally be madeof a heavy rubber composite with wide sloping edges and a depression toaccommodate the mat could easily be vacuumed.

Those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof of parts notedherein. While a device or an accompanying method have been described forwhat are presently considered the exemplary embodiments, the inventionis not so limited. To the contrary, the invention is intended to covervarious modifications and equivalent arrangements included within thespirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the followingclaims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompassall such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

1. An improved apparent surface mat material comprising a. a multitudeof crimped extruded blades or rods extending from a bottom surface to anapparent top surface, having a predetermined pattern and sufficientspacing between the blades to allow particulate matter to fall to saidbottom surface, yet sufficiently strong to support the weight of theuser b. a predetermined hole pattern through said bottom surface of matwhere the holes would allow debris to fall through c. a bottom surfacethat is multi-planar with substantially all surfaces sloping downwardtowards the holes whereby any dirt or debris remaining on one's shoe,will be scraped off by said multitude of extruded blades or rods, andwhen exposed to the vibration of use, will be directed by the slopes ofsaid multi-planar bottom, into said predetermined hole pattern and willsubsequently fall to said bottom surface and through said hole pattern,and will be further concealed by said crimped blades or rods, andfurther prevented from contaminating the ambient air when exposed to anair flow
 2. An improved apparent surface mat material comprising a. amultitude of crimped extruded blades or rods extending from a bottomsurface to an apparent top surface, having a predetermined pattern andsufficient spacing between the blades to allow particulate matter tofall to said bottom surface, yet sufficiently strong to support theweight of the user b. a predetermined hole pattern through said bottomsurface of mat where the holes would allow debris to fall thru. c. theunderside of said bottom surface has ridges molded between thepredetermined hole pattern, preferably in a ridge pattern that wouldform parallel channels whereby additional space is provided for thestorage of accumulated debris and the said accumulated debris is furtherprotected from any air flow and the debris together with any watercollected could be channeled to a collection area.
 3. The improved matof claim 2, wherein the top of bottom surface of the apparent surfacemat is multi planar
 4. A floor mat system comprising: a. an apparentsurface mat (Astroturf like) with a multitude of projections extendingfrom a bottom surface, having a predetermined pattern and sufficientspacing to allow particulate matter to fall to said bottom surface b. awaterproof enclosure with raised edges around the perimeter of saidapparent surface mat whereby all debris, whether accumulated directly oras a result of being brushed off said heel pad, along with any water,will fall to the bottom of said apparent surface mat and onto saidbottom surface and in an area of reduced exposure to the air flow comingfrom the a heater fan, air conditioner and vent
 5. The floor mat systemof claim 4 wherein said apparent surface mat has a preset pattern ofholes through said bottom surface whereby the dirt and debris hasadditional space to accumulate and added protection from the air flow.6. The floor mat system of claim 4, further including a carpeted insertwith the same shape and depth as the apparent surface mat, andinterchangeable with it, whereby there is a choice of mat surfacedepending on conditions at the time.
 7. The floor mat system of claim 5,wherein said waterproof enclosure has depressions in the bottom surfacethat match the hole pattern of said Astroturf like material whereby saiddirt, debris and water may fall beneath the surface of said Astroturflike material and into the depressions and be further protected.
 8. Thefloor mat system of claim 7, wherein said apparent surface material hasa means to be shifted and locked into position, whereby the depressionsin said bottom surface of enclosure no longer match said hole pattern ofsaid apparent surface material, and said dirt, debris and water aresealed between the underside of said Astroturf like material and thesaid waterproof enclosure.
 9. The floor mat system of claim 4, furtherincluding a heel pad that is mounted flush with the apparent surface ofthe mat in front of the accelerator pedal when the said mat system is tobe used in a vehicle.
 10. The floor mat of claim 9, wherein said heelpad is made of a wick able carpet material
 11. The vehicle floor mat ofclaim 9, wherein said heel pad has a means of locking into saidwaterproof enclosure
 12. A method of protecting a car's interiorflooring, the interior air quality, and the occupants clothing from thedebris introduced by the entrance of the car's occupants, comprising thefollowing steps: a. Providing an apparent surface mat (Astroturf like)that permits most of the particles adhering to the occupant's shoes tobe scraped off and caused to fall to an area protected from the air flowproduced by the car's ventilation and fan system, b. Providing awaterproof sealed base with raised borders to contain any debris and anywater that may accumulate whereby, said debris is contained in aprotected area until removal is required.
 13. The method of claim 12,with the additional steps of a. providing said apparent surface mat witha preset pattern of holes through its bottom surface b. providing saidwaterproof sealed base with a preset pattern of depressions whereby thedebris is further protected from an air stream and more space isprovided for the accumulated debris
 14. The method of claim 13 providingthe additional step of moving said apparent surface mat a presetdistance so that the preset hole pattern no longer matches the presetpattern of depressions in said waterproof sealed base, whereby saiddebris is further protected by being completely sealed and no longercapable of contaminating the interior air.
 15. The method of claim 12further providing a means to precisely move said apparent surface mat sothat openings are held either open or closed
 16. The method of claim 12further providing a means to lock said apparent surface mat into saidwaterproof sealed base.